The Big Ten conference is officially exploring a dynamic, NFL-style scheduling model that could reshape college football matchups starting in the 2028 season. Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork spilled the beans on “The Ryan Day Show” on 97.1 The Fan, letting us know these aren’t just whispers anymore.
NFL Blueprint for Big Ten Battlegrounds
This isn’t just about tweaking a few dates. We’re talking about a full-on results-based system, just like the pros. Bjork explained that under this potential new model, opponents wouldn’t be locked in until after the 2027 season wraps up. Imagine that, not knowing your full slate until practically the year before. The core idea is simple, yet revolutionary for college ball: worse teams from the previous season would get more favorable matchups, while the top dogs would face tougher schedules. It’s designed to balance the competitive scales, making every game matter even more. The one major difference from the NFL, though, is that the Big Ten would keep its classic rivalries sacred, like the Ohio State vs. Michigan showdown. Bjork made it clear, “next year’s schedule, we would not know who we’re playing, other than protecting the rivalry games. … Other than that, the rest of the schedule could be based on how the teams finished the previous year. That’s how the NFL does it.”
Why the Shake-Up Now? Parity is the Name of the Game
So why are they even thinking about this? Bjork pointed directly to the “parity created by NIL and the transfer portal.” He’s not wrong. Back when the Big Ten first expanded and created those initial scheduling rotations, they were based on historical records. But let’s be real, “Indiana was not what Indiana is today when they set the model. Same thing with UCLA,” Bjork stated. Teams are changing rosters so rapidly, what was true five years ago is ancient history now. With players moving around freely, the old ways of gauging team strength just don’t cut it anymore. The Big Ten needs “to change the way we schedule” because “there’s a lot more parity in the system,” according to Bjork. It’s all about finding a more equitable way to keep the strength of schedule fair across the entire league.
The Future Is Calling, But What’s the Catch?
While the idea is intriguing, there’s a definite wrinkle. The NFL’s dynamic scheduling works because multi-year contracts give teams roster stability. In college ball, the limitless player movement through the transfer portal and NIL deals means rosters can flip almost entirely in an offseason. That creates a ton more volatility from one season to the next. So, while a team might be “worse” one year and get an “easier” schedule, their roster could be completely revamped the next, making that “easier” schedule a total miscalculation. Still, this is a hot topic. With the 24-team College Football Playoff on its way, how conferences schedule is about to get a whole lot more intense. The Big Ten is clearly trying to get ahead of the curve, and we’ll be watching to see if this wild plan actually comes to pass in 2028.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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